In a statement, Hancock, a former president of the Iowa Fireman's Association, said he had not intended to endorse a candidate for the caucuses but decided to support Dodd for his positions on first responders.

"It was Chris Dodd's leadership that ensured that fire fighters across the country would have the resources they need to protect our communities – before the attacks of September 11th made that a priority for others," Hancock said in the statement.

Hancock becomes the second Iowa state legislator to endorse Dodd. State senate president pro-tempore Jeff Danielson was the first.

The campaign also announced Tuesday that it will add 17 new field organizers, bringing their total number of organizers across the state to 60.